WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH

Posted on April 17, 2021 by oneta hayes
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels.com

I’m not going to try to give all the scriptures that support the importance of positive words. One example: Proverbs 18:21 says “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” One does not need to be a Christian to know how healing and motivating words can be and how wounding and degrading they can be. That is not the purpose of this post.

This post relates to the “creative” power of the tongue. The idea behind “believe it, speak it, and it will come to pass.” The teaching that if you can imagine it, then speak it, and you have it.

I promised you a lesson from Numbers Chapter 14. Here it is. Beginning with the end of Chap. 13.

On God’s bidding, Moses sent twelve spies to spy out Canaan. They did so and came back with a huge cluster of grapes that took two men to carry it on a pole. They all said it was a bountiful land; ten of the spies warned, however, that the inhabitants of the land were also big – giants even. No way could they overcome them. “We look like grasshoppers compared the them.” Two spies, Joshua and Caleb, said it was true. There were giants in the land, but they could win. “Come on. Let us go.”

The people set about whining and crying about being faced with all the problems. They asked for a new leader. When it came right down to it, they refused to be obedient. They refused to go.

Moses so faithfully interceded for the people. He told God just how wonderful he (God) was, how forgiving, how strong “abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion.” The story gets a little long, so I’d better leave some reading to you and get on with my lesson.

The crises passed and the people reconsidered. They decided Moses was right. They said, “we have sinned. We will go do what God wanted us to do. God will be with us.” Moses told them they were too late. That route had just been closed (or something like that). So they took off anyway preparing to fight and win through the mighty hand of God.

The end of the story is that they got whipped up on. The Amalekites and Canaanites chased them all back home except, presumably, the ones who lay dead on the route.

Lesson learned. Speaking the right words at the wrong time did no good. Right words help out greatly when one is obeying. Even when walking blindly, but obeying. That’s the time for “I can do all things through Christ within.”

Consider this verse from Psalms 12:3,4. “May the Lord cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue that says, “We will triumph with our tongue, we own our lips, who is our master.”

My advice. When the Holy Spirit says move, move and speak all the motivating words necessary to fuel your engine for the journey.

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COME WITH ME

Posted on April 16, 2021 by oneta hayes

“Stay here, Buddy,” said Momma sitting him on the ledge outside the noisy place. He could see in. Momma acted happy. The tomato juice looked good. Getting sleepy, he slipped to the sidewalk, back against the ledge.

Startled, he saw men putting Momma in the car. “We’ll take her home,” Buddy heard them say before they drove away. No one else knew where home was. And they didn’t seem to care. Buddy moved to a warmer corner and tried to be brave.

“Come,” a kind voice said. “I’ll show you the way.” He followed the voice. It led him Home.

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Written for Friday Fictioneers, Rochelle’s 100 word picture prompt. https://rochellewisoff.com/ To read more stories hop over to Rochelle’s and click the green frog. It will pull up some novel interpretations of the image by PHOTO PROMPT © Anne Higa  

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on April 14, 2021 by oneta hayes

My Blogging Friends.   I would give you a good excuse for my blogging neglect if I had one.  After a day or two of good reasons, I find I lose motivation and think, “Oh another day off will be okay.”  So easy to do.  I’m not sure but I think I’ve been off more than a week.

So what’s what’s happened to me?

 1.  I have a new printer.  I don’t adapt well to new anythings!  Then I found it would take a week or more to get ink.  I was not a happy camper. —  Now I have ink.  But a feud came along with my computer and printer.  —  I am used to using Publisher.  But my new systems seem to like Word better.  My Word says it does not have the template I need which is a plain white sheet to write on.  That’s enough for starters.

2. I typed two posts a few days ago, on the Word Press Editor.  Don’t know what happened to them, but they went bye-bye.  The Happiness Engineer was nice but did could not find them.  Must have been me or my computer.  I have a feeling she was right because I think I lost some email that day also. 

3. I’ve been home and feeling fine.  Just too much I can’t do, I mean I really can’t. No spright-y chicken anymore. I do still “lay an egg” once in a while. See Google note at the bottom. Bet you didn’t know where that expression came from. At least, I didn’t.

4. Remember I gave you some lessons from Leviticus?  Well I read Numbers looking for ways to amaze you with more goodies.  Came up empty.  Well nearly.  Not really but I found it is well named!  Numbers of people, tribes, clans, priests, cattle, goats,  gold, silver.   Well, there are some important lessons among the numbers.  I will get to them.  I’ll tell you why you should read Numbers.   (Maybe because it is a part of God’s Word?)  I love the lesson in Chapter 14.  It is so applicable to one of today’s religious trends.  So ahead.  You can read it before I tell you. 

5.  I know I have missed some inspiring, humorous, entertaining  and educational posts and I’m sorry for that.  But with the current climate of politics, covid included, I have maintained a very relaxed blood pressure.  But I continue reading the Epoch News notifications.  And Bill O’Reilly.   That’s enough.

6. Blood pressure right now is 114/69.  Thank you, Lord Jesus, that I can roll my pressures on you.  And I have been doing that.  Got some issues, like most of you out there. 

7. That makes me think of one of those Numbers passages where Moses invites his father-in-law (?) to go with them.  Come go with us and we will treat you well for the Lord has promised good things to us.  I would say “Come go with me to Jesus, for He treats us well.” 

8. I’m going to experiment here a bit and see if I can add a small picture of the other side of my patio.

Lookie, lookie! This is the view to my right as I step down from the door. I know it looks like nothing to you tropical folks. I though of pulling up some of your pictures to claim. But, no, I’ll be honest. It doesn’t take a lot to impress us Okies. 😀 View at the top is the left as I go out. I’m happy with it also.

I have enjoyed being back with you. I think I’ll be back tomorrow.

Lay an egg – Idioms by The Free Dictionary

idioms.thefreedictionary.com › lay+an+egg

lay an egg, to To fail, to make an embarrassing mistake. In Britain this term comes from cricket, where a player or team failing to score has, since the mid-nineteenth century, been said to get a duck’s egg (meaning 0, or zero).

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A SPICY MUNCHIE

Posted on April 8, 2021 by oneta hayes

You might well say, “Whatzat?” about the picture up top. It is the inside view of a match I dropped while trying to light a nearly used up candle in a glass container. I was reaching down until I dropped the match because the fire was getting too close to my fingers! I quickly covered the open top and the fire went out. Didn’t take long at all. Maybe to a count of three.

So I am now munching on a tidbit from Matthew 5:14-16* “You are the light of the world,” See scripture below.

Many of you have sung the “this little light of mine” song. Remember the line: “Hide it under a bushel (KJ), no, I’m goin’ let it shine…”

When Roger was a toddler, he put a large bowl over a little puppy. When we found the puppy it was too late. He was dead from lack of oxygen! Now I consider how fast that candle went out when I put the lid on it. Wonder how long our light will shine if it is hidden under a bowl. Verse 16 indicates there is some correlation between our light shining and good works. Do I dare suggest good works might be evidence that we have fuel in our lamps? No, I don’t dare. I wonder why Jesus made some kind of connection.

Somebody is just about to yell “Grace, all grace” at me. I know that, but sometimes we need to be reminded why we are left on earth after Grace saves us. Hand me a less spicy munchie.

*Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.,

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OCCUPY – even with Covid

Posted on April 7, 2021 by oneta hayes
Photo by Miguel Montejano on Pexels.com

So we are mostly still locked down. Moods range from miserable to desperately miserable. What few smiles are left are hidden by masks. Are we suffering a plague from God? Is Jesus about to come rescue us? Or, do we just hate the bat-eaters?

I will point out a couple of stories from the Bible which might tell us how to deal with this. First off was when the Hebrews were taken into Babylon for seventy years. God told them to go, build homes, and basically follow the rules of the Babylonians (except for worship). Go along to get along.

The other is a Jeremiah story from Chapter 32 of Jeremiah which might shed some light on how to deal with our Covid situation. Here was an example of Jeremiah’s trust in God.

While Jeremiah was in prison, a cousin offered to sell him land. Following God’s direction, he bought it and sealed the title in a clay jar to be put away for many days. Jeremiah is puzzled and he asks God “And thou hast said to me, O Lord God, buy thee the field for money, and take witnesses: for the city is given into the hand of the Chaldeans.” God assures Jeremiah that he is going to bring his people back.

Now I want to point out that God was not offended by Jeremiah’s questions. “How” or “why” questions may be just a means of conversation rather than expressions of doubt or lack of faith when they come as a part of a loving, intimate relationship with God.

Part of God’s response to Jeremiah was a verse we all know well, “Is there anything too hard for me?” Are you puzzled about something that is too hard for you? I am; I do ask him about it. He still assures me that he is trustworthy and that nothing is too hard for him.

I am not telling you to buy or sell land or other assets. I know nothing about that. But I believe He will listen as you talk to Him about your situation. Do you need to change jobs? Will your business survive? Make your decisions with trust in God, not in fear. God has it all under control.

Occupy until he comes. Luke 19:13 And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come. Other translations say; Do business – till I come. In other words engage in trade with what you have been given. Take what you have and put it to work.

The comment on scripture above is from

Occupy Till I Come Sermon by Mark Baker, Luke 19:13 …http://www.sermoncentral.com/sermons/occupy-till-i-come-mark-baker-sermon-on-church-body-of-c

Image: Free pexels

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BAKER’S DOZEN 4-6-21

Posted on April 6, 2021 by oneta hayes

1. Feasting on Ps. 32:1-2 “blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him” No, not against me because they were already counted against Jesus. Amazing. Can you imagine people who insist on carrying their own even when Jesus has already done it? Our transgressions forgiven; our sins covered! WOW! …

2. The Senate voted 51 to 40 on March 15 to confirm Congresswoman Deb Haaland  to be Interior secretary, making her the first Native American to hold a Cabinet secretary post. I hope these “firsts” are also qualified.

3. I’m trying out the new way to post image on this block editor. I can size to 350 but it does not automatically change the second number like the old method did. And it leaves this huge image on image added. It does seem like it would be nice for use within he content. Can someone straighten me out? About this issue of course, Probably no one wants to take on straightening me out except in small hunks at a time! 

4. I am so upset at how the devil (evil) steals the most precious symbols from Christianity. I’m disgusted with how the “rainbow” was stolen by homosexuals. To add fire to my ire, I saw some ad on one of the girls’ you tube that had rainbow colored paint to paint the tongue. Am I jumping to unwarranted conclusions?

5. Any politician who adds anything to a bill that includes funding other than what is stated to the public is no better than someone who loots during a disaster. Yes, I am talking about the “covid” stimulus bill for one. Covid bill with 9% for covid relief, 93% what? And how about this “infrastructure bill coming up? Since when has housing been “infrastructure”?

6. I watched the movie “Healing River” produced by our own blogging friend, Mitch Teemley. It was great. https://mitchteemley.com/2020/05/15/healing-river-is-here/

7. I’ve finally “mastered” publishing posts via “schedule” like some of you do. There I thought you all have been getting up by six in order to get your posts out on time. No more. I sleep right through to 8:30 then get up to see if Word Press keeps their promise.

8. I can’t hear my preacher when I am in the congregation. I love to listen from Face Book at home, but I love people also. And I am a church goer. So I have found a solution. I took my phone and earbuds to church. Before the preacher began I left the auditorium and went the Fellowship Hall and listened to him through Facebook. Smooth as a whistle. And our person who keeps “guard” on doors throughout the service was very helpful and encouraging to me. Where there’s a will there’s a way, they say. When I get it down pat, I might be able to do the same thing in the auditorium.

9. Do you remember that I promised myself new nails, a haircut, and teeth repair. I have now done them all. I’m happy with the way he “stable-ized” my lower biting teeth. Good job done.

10. My cardiologist told me to go on my way as I had been but to keep track of my blood pressure. I just now checked; it is 107/65. Can you beat that? Chatting with you is very relaxing to me. Last time I checked it was 121/67.

11. Can someone tell me a reason I should be thankful for the job President Biden is doing? I haven’t found one yet.

12. “I don’t like it but I’m mesmerized by it. I am referring to what I consider “art.” Sometimes I’m even repulsed by it. Whatever the emotion, art affects me in some way.” I make an exception, however, to that which disgusts me. That’s no more art than telling “jokes” that shock is humor; mostly they are an excuse for dirty talk about with body functions or sex. No humor.

13, Go back and read #6 again. Then go watch the movie. You’ll enjoy it, as well as benefit from it.

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SEE SPOT SCRATCH

Posted on April 5, 2021 by oneta hayes

Spot had seventeen fleas

Living on his nose and knees

Made Spot snort and sneeze.

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The light touch today with Ronovan.

Ronovan’s haiku challenge using words “fleas” and “sneeze” https://ronovanwrites.com/2021/04/05/ronovan-writes-weekly-haiku-poetry-prompt-challenge-352-fleas-and-sneeze/

Posted in haiku, Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge | Tagged , | 4 Comments

MARY’S SOLILOQUY (#4 OF 4)

Posted on April 4, 2021 by oneta hayes

I have news. Do I whisper it in adoration? Or do I shout it in exultation? Here it is: Jesus lives! JESUS LIVES! He’s been set free. Jesus— free from the grip of the grave. Free even from the grasp of my arms! He was mine for a season, but he was on earth for a reason. The reason? The cross and the grave! Death and Resurrection.

As my son, he died, he succumbed to death; as God’s son, he rose to life.
As my son he came as a baby; as God’s son, he will return as King.
As my son he rode a common donkey; as God’s son, he will ride a white stallion.
As my son, he fed five thousand; as God’s son he is bread for all.
As my son, he drank water from a well; as God’s son, he is Living Water.
As my son, he was under the law; as God’s son, he was fulfillment of the law.
As my son, he celebrated the Passover; as God’s son, he became the Passover.

Jesus, my son, is no longer bound by a body, He has been set free, and as he is so can I be! Jesus, my Lord, and my God. I am highly favored and honored to be your servant. May it be to me as thou wilt.

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Oneta’s note:  And I rejoice that “as he is, so we shall be” – Alive, alive, alive forevermore.

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pexels: Luis Dalvan

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MARY’S SOLILOQUY (#3 of 4)

Posted on April 3, 2021 by oneta hayes

A piercing of the heart—indeed, tonight my heart is not only pierced; it is ripped apart! I was at the foot of the cross! I watched him die! Die! This son of God, the miracle worker! Skeptics mocked him by telling him to come down from the cross. Why did he not?

He proved his power over death by his love for another grieving widow whose son died. Why did he leave me grieving? He did think of me. Asked John to take his place as my son. Even near the end, he encouraged a thief hanging next to him. At last he said “It is finished.”

Finished! The Messiah, dead. The Savior, dead. The healer, dead. The miracle worker, dead. The king, dead. My son, dead.

However, death seemed welcome compared to the betraying, whipping, scorning, ridiculing, humiliating, bleeding, suffering! They contemptuously jabbed a mocking crown of thorns on the brow that I had stroked in love. The brow that wrinkled when he laughed. The brow that sweat at the end of a long hard day. The brow that oozed blood into his eyes as it made its way down his cheeks.

Why did the glorious shouts of hallelujah, change to threatening screams of crucify him? Why, God, why? Why did you leave him to suffer alone? Why would your promise turn to this? What an ignominious end to your glorious promise!

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image: pexels, Luis Dalvan

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MARY’S SOLILOQUY (#2 of 4)

Posted on April 2, 2021 by oneta hayes

I waited for tomorrow-a tomorrow that lasted 18 years!

Jesus was a favored lad, a brilliant and talented man. Still he would do nothing about his special-Godness. He just responded to my urging by saying, “It’s not my time.” Finally when I spurred him on that day at Cana, he followed through! Turned water into wine! It was nothing short of a miracle!

Oh, how I rejoiced, what pride I felt. I remembered how the angel said I was highly favored, giving birth to God’s son.—- But I also remembered Simeon’s words. He said “a sword will pierce your own soul.” Some days I glory in Jesus’ successes, his little group of followers has grown to be masses. Some days I cry in fear for his lack of fear. My heart reaches heights of pride when I hear how people love him, then it drops like stone when I hear how much his enemies hate him.

I heard that he overthrew the tables in the temple and drove out the merchants! He even takes authority over devils—and death. If he has any fear, it is wiped out by his compassion. He is always doing good, loving the children, eating with sinners, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, even touching the lepers and making them clean!

But I am lonely for him. He seldom comes home. I went to see him and he seemed to say that he has no more time for me than for other mothers! My son, the miracle worker! ’Tis no wonder they want to make him king. Who better to be a king? God’s son, and my son! Surely he will be safe, he is the promised Messiah.

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image: pexels, Luis Dalvan

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